“Comment devenir une vraie Parisienne” by Hélène and Iréne Lurçat (Parigramme) French
Wondering whether you’ve learned to be “parisiennement correct” since your arrival in Paris? This little guide points you toward the best places to shop for clothes and makeup, where to meet girlfriends for an afternoon drink at a salon de thé, and the best cafés to see and be seen. You’ll catch a glimpse of your Parisian friends humorously slotted into categories like l'intello rive gauche and la workaholic. Filled with amusing dos and donts linked with savoir-vivre in this capital — such as how to answer your cellphone or how to meet a Parisien to your liking, this guide has all you need to create your own unique style parisien. MW
Miserable Miracle by Henri Michaux — translated by Louise Varèse introduction by Octavio Paz (New York Review Books)
This revised edition of a text by quintessential French author and artist Henry Michaux — first published three decades ago by City Lights — comprises a selection of his drug-induced phantasmagorical drawings. His psychedelic writings are considered to represent one of [post]-modernity’s most extraordinary and Surreal voices. Michaux, who died in 1984, described this book as an exploration of the effects of mescaline “by means of words, signs and drawings.” BR
Terrorism and War by Howard Zinn (Open Media Pamphlet Series)
This new study, by the author of “A People’s History of the United States” looks at the complex issues raised by the emergence of a post 9/11 world. Zinn warns that military action — instead of eliminating terrorism — runs the risk of creating a reverse effect. This book is part of a new series of anti-war publications started by Open Media. BR
“Cycling France”/ “Walking in France” (Lonely Planet)
Two excellent manuals to discover rural France. The book on cycling lists various itineraries ranging from leisurely daytrips near Paris to challenging moutain treks or week-long tours of wine regions. On the other hand, its walkers equivalent features descriptions of what to see along the way, as well as “good resto” tips. A great introduction to exploring France’s world-famous “grandes randonnées” paths. For weekend hikers, the second guide includes single day expeditions to places near Paris such as Giverny, the Forêt de Rambouillet and the Val de Marne. BR
Photography books
Paris + Klein (Marval)
Published to coincide with an exhibition at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie, this book punches out at you with agressive double page photos taken by Klein in his wide angle in-your-face trade mark style. Klein’s Paris is seen from an insider/outsider vantage point... one unique to a “séjour longue durée” American in Paris BR
Arnold Newman with essays by Philip Brookman (Taschen)
This handsome volume accompanies an exhibition at the Hôtel de Sully, dedicated to one of America’s best known photographers — a pioneer of the “environmental portrait” style, which places its subjects in a carefully composed setting that captures the essence of their work and personality. It includes most of Arnold Newman’s best pictures ranging from memorable shots of Pablo Picasso and Igor Stravinsky taken during the 1930s, to more recent pictures of Woody Allen and Bill Clinton. BR
Hommes, Sculptures de Paris/Femmes Sculptures de Paris by Françoise Masson (Editions SPSA)
Two new photo tributes to Paris’ poetry in stone. One book deals with female sculptures, the other with their male counterparts. Masson’s pictures are a “salute” to Paris’ outdoor art, and a reminder of the beauty surrounding us in this city’s parks and gardens. BR
Paris Books for Kids
“Monuments that Tell Stories of Paris” by Jean Daly and Olivier Audy (Editions Parigramme, Paris).
A Paris guide for children filled with beautiful line drawings and descriptions of this city’s architectural highlights, this little book takes young readers inside its historical landmarks, bringing back to life the times in which they came to be. MH
“Ma promendade à Paris: la Rive Droite” by Dominique Fournier & Julie Blanchot (Loisirs de Campagne, St-Georges-en-Auge).
For first and second graders, this bilingual coloring book of the sights and parks on the Right Bank, is another fun publication designed to help develop bilingualism. The accompanying texts provide a “child’s eye” view of this aspect of Paris, while the coloring activity (always key to this age group) helps reinforce the important connection between image and word — vital at the “learning to read” stage. MH
Reviews by Marc Heberden, Marie Winfield & Bob Roberts
